Sen. Nathalia Fernández

Establishes an unemployment bridge program and an unemployment bridge program fund to provide wage replacement to workers that do not qualify for unemployment insurance or other worker wage assistance programs and who have lost a major source of income due to lost work (Part A); establishes the "Digital Ad Tax Act (DATA)" creating a tax on digital advertising services (Part B).

Provides per diem rates of payment by governmental agencies for inpatient services provided by facilities designated by the federal department of health and human services as exempt extended neoplastic disease care hospitals.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4523) creates a new paid leave entitlement for public employees in New York State to address mental or behavioral health needs. It directly affects all covered public employees, including state workers, county staff, school employees, community college personnel, and those in retirement systems. The key provision allows these employees to take paid leave for mental health appointments without using their accrued sick leave. The leave is specifically designated for mental health purposes and does not count against existing sick time. This policy change provides a clear, non-punitive way for public employees to access mental health care.

Prohibits the placement of liquor and/or wine for sale within five feet of nonalcoholic beverages for retail licensees who sell such liquor and/or wine for consumption off premises.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires grocery stores offering digital coupons to automatically apply those coupons at checkout for two groups: seniors (65+) and customers enrolled in loyalty or rewards programs. It mandates that stores apply any digital coupon already valid for a specific product being purchased, without needing customers to manually redeem them. The law covers digital coupons distributed via store websites or apps, including those tied to loyalty programs. This policy directly affects grocery stores that use digital coupon systems, ensuring automatic savings for eligible shoppers during checkout.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 3144, expands the required service area for accessible paratransit transportation. It mandates that accessible buses be available within a service area measuring three miles from any bus line operated by a transportation authority or its subsidiaries. This provision applies to both existing requirements for a percentage of accessible buses and the mandate for 100% accessible fixed-route buses, aiming to ensure broader geographical access for transportation-disabled persons, including those in wheelchairs.

Requires two qualified psychiatrists to be employed by each school district to perform and coordinate the provision of mental health services in the public schools.

Requires the department of education to develop school health and mental health professionals to student ratios in public schools for students who do not receive services pursuant to the individuals with disabilities education act.

Directs the commissioner of the division of criminal justice services to study the effectiveness and accuracy of devices used to estimate blood alcohol content by law enforcement agencies.

Relates to correctional facility visits by the correctional association; authorizes the correctional association to visit correctional facilities at any time and without advance notice; grants the correctional association access to certain records and information of correctional facilities.